The Supreme Court of Nigeria has overturned a status quo ante bellum order issued by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in the ongoing leadership dispute rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a landmark ruling delivered on Thursday, a five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, unanimously set aside the appellate court’s earlier order — effectively restoring the David Mark-led executive of the ADC, which had been delisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The apex court declared that the Court of Appeal’s order was unnecessary, adding that the appeal on jurisdiction was filed on an ex parte order — one inviting parties to show cause — without first obtaining the required leave of the appellate court.
The ruling marks a significant turning point in the internal power struggle of one of Nigeria’s registered political parties, and raises fresh questions about the legal processes employed in challenging electoral and party decisions at the appellate level.
More details to follow as the story develops.
